Sep
14
3:10 PM15:10

Conquering Embodied Carbon Emissions for a Greener Future

Adapting Policy
Breakout 4: 3:10–4:10 p.m.

As greenhouse gas emissions from building energy use continue to fall due to energy code improvements, retrofits, and a lower carbon grid, the importance of tackling embodied carbon emissions from building products will keep rising. Liepa Braciulyte of New Buildings Institute will provide an introduction to embodied carbon and summarize building code proposals that Seattle is considering to require lower-carbon steel and concrete. Jess Harris from City of Seattle, Department of Construction and Inspections, will describe how permit incentives available for new construction can reduce building lifecycle embodied carbon. In addition, Sadie Carlson of Green Canopy NODE will translate emerging policy and embodied carbon research back to practice with a case study for a housing solution that leverages innovative construction techniques to optimize for embodied carbon, operational carbon, and cost. The investigation into the unique design advantages of cross-laminated timber in prefabricated modular construction outlines a systemic approach to decarbonization at scale. Furthermore, Jessica Martinez from DCI Engineers will present strategies that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete such as crafting efficient structural designs and coordinating procurement strategies that minimize carbon through mix design optimization and cement replacement.

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Sep
14
3:10 PM15:10

Resiliency Planning and New Code Innovation Strategies in Multifamily Applications

Code Academy
Breakout 4: 3:10–4:10 p.m.

Andi Burnham, Associate Principal and Director of Energy Services at Rushing will explore cost effective strategies to meet the new 2021 WSEC-C for multifamily construction projects. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about key code changes in Seattle and WA state that will impact commercial multifamily projects, including but not limited to new envelope requirements, mandatory use of heat pumps for space and water heating, renewable energy systems, and other changes to the typical code compliance pathways.

Teresa Wang, Sustainability Consultant at Rushing, will then walk through identifying design strategies at the intersection of green building goals and resilience in the face of climate change. While aligning with clients’ ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals and investment opportunities, Teresa will review Rushing’s holistic approach to achieving sustainability goals by providing opportunities to integrate resilience planning in each project. Rushing will present several Built Green, LEED, and LBC certified projects as case studies of their work in implementing resilient designs through identifying adaptative strategies and mitigation planning that reduces operational and embodied carbon emissions of new buildings.

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Sep
14
3:10 PM15:10

Compact (Hot) Water Design: Delivering Code Credits, Customer Satisfaction, and Water Savings

Innovative Approaches
Breakout 4: 3:10–4:10 p.m.

What is the most energy, water, and time efficient way to install a hot water distribution system for a given floor plan? When should you install water heaters in multiple locations? What would be more efficient floor plans from a hot water perspective? When is it appropriate to use drain water heat recovery systems? How can these considerations be integrated into good building design? We will address these questions using demonstrations that evaluate a full-scale layout of the wet rooms in a typical two-bathroom dwelling and that compare the volume of water in pipes of different lengths and diameters.

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Sep
14
3:10 PM15:10

Decarbonizing Through Decolonizing: Contemporary Indigenous Housing in the PNW

Decarbonizing Case Studies
Breakout 4: 3:10–4:10 p.m.

Daniel J. Glenn, AIA, AICAE, NCARB, will present four case studies on tribal lands in the Pacific Northwest, including the Place of Hidden Waters, a LEED for Homes Platinum housing community for the Puyallup Tribe, Stillaguamish Village in Arlington, WA, a 2030 Challenge mixed-use development, the Muckleshoot Clean and Sober Housing Community, funded by the Indian Housing Block Grant – American Rescue Plan, and the Dat-naa-svt Village Project for the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation in Smith River, California. Each of these projects provide affordable, low-energy housing that reflect and celebrate the tribal cultures of the residents. Both the Stillaguamish and Tolowa projects are on reclaimed Indigenous land on the tribes traditional territory, decolonizing those sites for their original inhabitants. Participants will learn about the interconnections between climate and culture as well as community engagement design processes.

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Sep
14
3:10 PM15:10

Built Green Project Basics, Part 4

Built Green Project Basics
Breakout 4: 3:10–4:10 p.m.

This four-part training will provide an overview of the Built Green certification program, incorporating effective air control layers, and the implications of HVAC on airtight homes. This session is intended for project and construction site managers and code inspectors, it will give practical advice on not just how to detail these areas, but also how to manage a project and one’s team to set them up for success.

In Parts 3 and 4, Josh will talk about the implications of HVAC on air tight homes. We will speak on the science behind balanced ventilation and distribution systems and the potential pitfalls that can occur if not done right. We will also talk about how the building's enclosure affects the heating and cooling system design and performance.

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Sep
14
2:00 PM14:00

Built Green Project Basics, Part 3

Built Green Project Basics
Breakout 3: 2–3 p.m.

This four-part training will provide an overview of the Built Green certification program, incorporating effective air control layers, and the implications of HVAC on airtight homes. This session is intended for project and construction site managers and code inspectors, it will give practical advice on not just how to detail these areas, but also how to manage a project and one’s team to set them up for success.

In Parts 3 and 4, Josh will talk about the implications of HVAC on air tight homes. We will speak on the science behind balanced ventilation and distribution systems and the potential pitfalls that can occur if not done right. We will also talk about how the building's enclosure affects the heating and cooling system design and performance.

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Sep
14
2:00 PM14:00

Incentivizing High Performing Green Buildings and Retrofits in Kirkland, WA and Beyond

Adapting Policy
Breakout 3: 2–3 p.m.

This session will be useful for builders/developers who want to build more sustainably in Kirkland and learn how they can take advantage of our recently updated High Performing Building Program that incentivizes new construction of all building types that certify using Built Green 4 star and above; and residential additions/alteration projects that certify their projects utilizing Build Green's 2023 Remodeling checklist. Equally important, policy makers and implementers will learn how they could develop their own customized program to help their cities reduce the impacts related to carbon emissions, water and material use while producing healthier buildings.

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Sep
14
2:00 PM14:00

Energizing Designs with Exterior Insulation and the WSEC Cookbook

Code Academy
Breakout 3: 2–3 p.m.

This session is designed to empower builders, designers, and tradespeople involved in crafting energy-efficient single-family homes. Join us as we explore the dynamic potential of the forthcoming 2021 WSEC-R Cookbook and its alignment with the transformative impact of exterior insulation on energy performance and compliance.

Introduction to the 2021 WSEC-R Cookbook: In the first part of our session, get an introduction to the upcoming Cookbook, which is set to be released later this year. Discover the concept and benefits of this resource, designed to guide single-family new construction projects toward achieving code compliance. With a focus on crucial project parameters such as home size, heating system, and water heating system, the Cookbook provides insights into cost-effective compliance strategies aligned with the 2021 WSEC requirements. We welcome feedback from the building community on this pioneering approach.

Energizing Designs with Exterior Insulation: Transitioning to the second section, we delve into exterior insulation. Recognizing the evolving energy code landscape, we explore the pivotal role of exterior wall insulation in enhancing energy efficiency, resilience, and reducing thermal bridging. Learn about various approaches and practical in-field installation elements of "outsulation." Gain insights into wall design, insulation strategies, air sealing, and product selection that will elevate your designs to new standards of excellence.

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Sep
14
2:00 PM14:00

Why Your Shower Feels Wimpy (And What You Can Do About It!)

Innovative Approaches
Breakout 3: 2–3 p.m.

In this session we will follow the water from where it enters a building through to a typical shower on the second floor. Along the way, we will discover the pressure losses, some avoidable, others not, that the water encounters. We will look at measured data from almost 70 combinations of pipe and fittings and from several tub/shower valves and examine how pressure compensating aerators and flow regulators improve system performance and customer satisfaction. Then we will show how using the IAPMO Water Demand Calculator (WDC) can be used to right-size pipes based on modern flow rates and plumbing materials. We will demonstrate that implementing these strategies can reduce the cost of complying with the 2021 WSEC-C for multifamily buildings by sharing the first cost and operational benefits of utilizing the WDC in apartment buildings that were built in 2020.

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Sep
14
2:00 PM14:00

The Next Frontier for Green Builders: Embodied Carbon

Decarbonizing Case Studies
Breakout 3: 2–3 p.m.

When Built Green updated their certification requirements to include embodied carbon calculations as part of the 5-star certification they created the incentive needed to move a long-standing idea from paper to reality… embodied carbon calculations would become standard within the TC Legend Homes building process. Over the past year and a half, TC Legend Homes has taken a deep dive into the world of Embodied Carbon. What started as a plan to complete calculations for certification purposes evolved into an idea to benchmark the embodied carbon of the companies’ projects and use this benchmark to create achievable embodied carbon reduction goals. Come join Talia Dreicer, TC Legend Home’s Embodied Carbon and BIM Specialist as she discusses the companies journey into the next great frontier of green buildings. Talia will discuss some of the steps TC Legend is taking to reduce project embodied carbon and the companies long term goal of building net zero carbon homes.

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Sep
14
11:30 AM11:30

Built Green Project Basics, Part 2

Built Green Project Basics
Breakout 2: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

This four-part training will provide an overview of the Built Green certification program, incorporating effective air control layers, and the implications of HVAC on airtight homes. This session is intended for project and construction site managers and code inspectors, it will give practical advice on not just how to detail these areas, but also how to manage a project and one’s team to set them up for success.

In Part 2, Josh will discuss the basic building science that informs why one should incorporate an effective air control layer and how that impacts not just energy usage but importantly, indoor air quality, comfort, durability and resilience in today's high performance homes. We will give examples of the two most common areas of air leakage in residential construction and present some straightforward and cost effective strategies to address these areas.

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Sep
14
11:30 AM11:30

Overcoming Barriers to Solar Energy

Adapting Policy
Breakout 2: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

In this session, we will discuss the barriers to community solar and multifamily housing solar installations and explore strategies for overcoming them. Despite the growing popularity of solar energy, many households and communities are still unable to access its benefits due to various obstacles such as infrastructure barriers, upfront costs, and lack of enabling regulations.

To address these challenges, we will discuss policy and regulatory solutions, and community engagement strategies that have successfully expanded access to solar energy in these underserved areas. We will also highlight a case study from our project in Olympia where these solutions have been implemented.

This session is intended for industry professionals, elected officials and policymakers, and community members concerned about solar access. By sharing best practices and lessons learned, we can work together to create a more equitable and sustainable energy future for all.

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Sep
14
11:30 AM11:30

An Ounce of Design is Worth a Pound of Energy Credits: Designing for the 2021 WSEC

Code Academy
Breakout 2: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

The next Washington energy code will once again create challenges for builders. There are two ways to make it easier: plan to build all-electric and design well and early. In this session we will discuss the implications of well-planned construction and how most issues with energy codes can be solved through thoughtful design. The ultimate tool in your tool bag should be a design charette. We will take a journey through the 2021 WSEC and point out design opportunities and end with a great resource: Better Built Northwest's code cookbook.

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Sep
14
11:30 AM11:30

Turning Old Into New Net Zero Energy

Decarbonizing Case Studies
Breakout 2: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

We will share our journey of taking a historical 1919 built Spanish Eclectic style home designed by Edwin Ivy on the shores of Lake Washington into Dwells next Net Zero Energy home.

Dwell principals Anthony and Abbey Maschmedt will share how we took this beautiful old home, preserved it, adding in all of our current sustainable systems used at Dwell, and put it all back together as a new home with old world charm and character as well as achieving NZE status. How we saved this beautiful home from the wreaking ball and landfill, and instead created a pathway for a rebirth of a home that will now live on for another 100 years,. Only difference is that this time around, it will do so by creating more renewable energy on site then it needs to operate. We will show you all how we did it step my amazing step!

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Sep
14
11:30 AM11:30

Completing the Grow Community: Built Green 5-Star

Innovative Approaches
Breakout 2: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

This session will be a presentation about final phase of the Grow Community on Bainbridge Island, which will be a Built Green 5-Star development. We will discuss the architecture, new and innovative construction methods, and the sustainable design features of the project.

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Sep
14
10:10 AM10:10

Realizing the Benefits of New Middle Housing Laws

Adapting Policy
Breakout 1: 10:10 a.m.–11:10 a.m.

How will the middle housing policies passed in the 2023 Washington State legislative session impact the look and feel of our cities, access to affordable housing choices, and the environment? How will new density requirements in residential zones interact with green building incentives? This session will take a deep dive into these questions and others. The distinguished panel of speakers will discuss what is next for middle housing implementation and how local comprehensive plans and zoning will be affected. We will hear from state leaders and a local housing organization about the potential of these new laws to help reduce carbon emissions and resource consumption while also increasing housing choices and equity.

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Sep
14
10:10 AM10:10

Don't Sweat the HVAC Details: 2021 WSEC-R Changes

Code Academy
Breakout 1: 10:10 a.m.–11:10 a.m.

There are three big changes in a row coming for HVAC in residential new construction – WSEC 2021 R, HSPF 2, and soon a refrigerant transition. We will discuss each transition and some strategies to navigate changes in HVAC without too many growing pains. We will explore the following items in this session:

  • HSPF 2 transition

  • WSEC 2021 R and hot water options for multi-family

  • WSEC 2021 R fuel normalization table—heat pumps without supplemental

  • WSEC 2021 R requirements for cold climate heat pumps

  • Understanding NEEP cold climate heat pumps

  • Heat pump selection to avoid supplemental heat and comfort problems

  • Optimizing heat pump design with ductless and ducted indoor distribution options

  • Refrigerant transition

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Sep
14
10:10 AM10:10

Welcoming Diverse Subcontractors & Workforce

Innovative Approaches
Breakout 1: 10:10 a.m.–11:10 a.m.

Emerald Cities Collaborative and EnerCity Collabortive will moderate a discussion with experts from workforce development and minority contractors (MBE's) from different specialty trades. The panel will share what best practices successful GCs have implemented or have in place that create a mutually beneficial relationship and create a positive and open work environment. Discussion questions for MBE panelists will include:

  1. What makes for a successful and inclusive job site culture?

  2. Challenges of working with a new GC or Prime?

  3. How can GCs/Primes create a welcoming environment and policies for diverse contractors and workers?

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Sep
14
10:10 AM10:10

Implementing the 2023 Remodel Checklist on Smaller Remodels

Decarbonizing Case Studies
Breakout 1: 10:10 a.m.–11:10 a.m.

This session reviews a kitchen and bathroom remodel that implemented the pilot program for the new Built Green Remodeling Certification. Nathan with Coons Construction would discuss the learning curve for contractors implementing their first Built Green project. Communicating with subcontractors and suppliers on meeting the certification requirements. Supervising subcontractors while they are working on site to ensure they meet the requirements. Material research and resources for the certification. Third party verifiers are the contractor’s friend in completing the project.

Pictures from the project are showcased with feedback from Nathan regarding the experience of implementing Built Green into a smaller remodel. We will discuss the short- & long-term benefits. The cost of a Built Green project in relation to a non-Built Green project. The group can discuss the debate on return of ROI for implementing Built Green. The session would conclude with questions from the group and the future of remodeling has these standards become standardized in the industry.

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Sep
14
10:10 AM10:10

Built Green Project Basics, Part 1

Built Green Project Basics
Breakout 1: 10:10 a.m.–11:10 a.m.

This four-part training will provide an overview of the Built Green certification program, incorporating effective air control layers, and the implications of HVAC on airtight homes. This session is intended for project and construction site managers and code inspectors, it will give practical advice on not just how to detail these areas, but also how to manage a project and one’s team to set them up for success.

In Part 1, Cybil will describe the benefits of certifying with Built Green, including what a verifier does and when they visit the site, outline the necessary documentation needed, discuss green features that project teams need to be aware of and how to successfully achieve certification.

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Sep
14
10:00 AM10:00

Ask-a-Keynote

Ballroom
10–10:30 a.m.

Join us for a meet and greet with keynote speaker, Roger Ballentine, to engage in conversation, networking, and have your questions answered.

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Sep
14
9:00 AM09:00

Morning Keynote: Change Is Here. And We Need More.

Ballroom
9–10 a.m.

Climate change is here. And it is here because we did not change. Now, in the face of an existential threat, we must change—change how we consume, change the technologies we use, change who we elect, and (yes) change our homes. We also need to change capitalism from a major contributor to creating the climate crisis to a force for positive change. “Climate Capitalism” is the idea that today, the best pathway for companies and industries to create enterprise value and outcompete their peers is by also creating climate value. This is not a pipe dream. It is happening today.

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